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ICD-10 Coding for Tremor(G25.0, G25.1, R25.1)

Complete ICD-10-CM coding and documentation guide for Tremor. Includes clinical validation requirements, documentation requirements, and coding pitfalls.

Also known as:

ShakingInvoluntary Shaking

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to Tremor

G25.0-G25.9Primary Range

Other extrapyramidal and movement disorders

This range includes specific types of tremors such as essential tremor, drug-induced tremor, and other specified tremors.

Abnormal involuntary movements

This range includes unspecified tremors and other abnormal involuntary movements.

Code Comparison: When to Use Each Code

Compare key differences between these codes to ensure accurate selection

CodeDescriptionWhen to UseKey Documentation
G25.0Essential tremorUse when essential tremor is confirmed with clinical criteria.
  • Action tremor in upper limbs for ≥3 years
  • No other neurological signs
  • Family history of tremor
G25.1Drug-induced tremorUse when tremor is directly linked to medication use.
  • Temporal relationship to medication
  • Resolution upon medication adjustment
R25.1Tremor, unspecifiedUse when tremor is present but not yet classified.
  • No specific etiology identified
  • Negative imaging and differential diagnosis

Clinical Decision Support

Always review the patient's clinical documentation thoroughly. When in doubt, choose the more specific code and ensure documentation supports it.

Key Information: ICD-10 code for essential tremor

Essential facts and insights about Tremor

The ICD-10 code for essential tremor is G25.0, used when clinical criteria are met.

Primary ICD-10-CM Codes for tremor

Essential tremor
Billable Code

Decision Criteria

clinical Criteria

  • Action tremor in upper limbs for ≥3 years

documentation Criteria

  • Documented family history of tremor

Applicable To

  • Action tremor
  • Familial tremor

Excludes

  • Parkinson's disease (G20)

Clinical Validation Requirements

  • Action tremor in upper limbs for ≥3 years
  • No other neurological signs
  • Family history of tremor

Code-Specific Risks

  • Misclassification with Parkinson's disease
  • Inadequate documentation of duration and family history

Coding Notes

  • Ensure documentation includes specific tremor characteristics and family history.

Ancillary Codes

Additional codes that should be used in conjunction with the main diagnosis codes when applicable.

Other long term (current) drug therapy

Z79.899
Use when patient is on long-term medication like propranolol for tremor management.

Adverse effect of antiepileptics

T45.0x5A
Use to specify the drug causing the tremor.

Differential Codes

Alternative codes to consider when ruling out similar conditions to the primary diagnosis.

Parkinson's disease

G20
Presence of bradykinesia, rigidity, and resting tremor.

Essential tremor

G25.0
No medication-related cause.

Drug-induced tremor

G25.1
Linked to medication use.

Documentation & Coding Risks

Avoid these common documentation and coding issues when documenting Tremor to ensure proper reimbursement, maintain compliance, and reduce audit risk. These guidelines are particularly important when using ICD-10 code G25.0.

Impact

Clinical: May lead to misdiagnosis., Regulatory: Non-compliance with documentation standards., Financial: Potential for denied claims.

Mitigation Strategy

Use structured templates, Regular training on documentation standards

Impact

Reimbursement: May lead to lower reimbursement rates., Compliance: Non-compliance with coding guidelines., Data Quality: Decreases accuracy of clinical data.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough clinical evaluation to specify tremor type.

Impact

High risk of audit when using R25.1 without proper justification.

Mitigation Strategy

Ensure thorough clinical evaluation and documentation.

Documentation errors, coding pitfalls, and audit risks are interconnected aspects of medical coding and billing. Addressing all three areas helps ensure accurate coding, optimal reimbursement, and regulatory compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about ICD-10 coding for Tremor, with expert answers to help guide accurate code selection and documentation.

Documentation Templates for Tremor

Use these documentation templates to ensure complete and accurate documentation for Tremor. These templates include all required elements for proper coding and billing.

Essential tremor diagnosis

Specialty: Neurology

Required Elements

  • Tremor characteristics
  • Family history
  • Duration
  • Response to medication

Example Documentation

Patient presents with bilateral hand tremor worsening with intentional movement for 5 years. Family history positive for tremor. CRST score documented.

Examples: Poor vs. Good Documentation

Poor Documentation Example
Patient has tremor.
Good Documentation Example
Patient exhibits bilateral action tremor in upper limbs for 5 years, family history positive, CRST score 32/144.
Explanation
The good example provides specific details necessary for accurate coding and billing.

Need help with ICD-10 coding for Tremor? Ask your questions below.

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